The AAA Process – Access
In this installment of Arcwood University, Peter Rowe, Arcwood’s President and CEO, takes a minute to explain the first “A” in our AAA Process, “Access.”
The AAA Process – Align
In this installment of Arcwood University, Peter Rowe, Arcwood’s President and CEO, takes a minute to explain the second “A” in our AAA Process, “Align.”
The AAA Process – Award
In this installment of Arcwood University, Peter Rowe, Arcwood’s President and CEO, takes a minute to explain the third “A” in our AAA Process, “Award.”
Spring Into Action: Optimize Healthcare Costs Without Compromising Care
Spring is a season of renewal, and what better time to refresh your approach to healthcare spending? As an employer, you’re likely facing rising premiums, increasing deductibles, and frustrated employees who aren’t getting the care they need. You can’t pay less for healthcare unless you pay less for healthcare—and that means taking control of your costs with proven, transparent strategies that put YOU in charge.
If you keep using the same strategies, you’ll keep getting the same results. Insurance carriers aren’t motivated to reduce your costs—what you call a premium, they call revenue. So why continue playing their game? It’s time to step away from the traditional, bloated system and explore cost-saving alternatives that benefit your business AND your employees.
3 Strategies to Reduce Healthcare Costs Without Cutting Benefits
- Direct Contracting: Cut Out the Middleman and Negotiate Better Rates
- Reference-Based Pricing: Pay Fair Prices for Medical Services—Not Arbitrary Fees
- Transparent Pharmacy Benefits: Stop Overpaying for Prescription Drugs
Health Benefits Success Isn’t About Luck—It’s About Leadership, Compliance, and Strategy
March often brings thoughts of clovers, charms, and lucky breaks, but when it comes to health benefits, relying on luck is not an option. With rising healthcare costs, evolving workforce needs, and increasingly complex regulations, success requires proactive strategies and a firm commitment to compliance. Employers have significant opportunities to turn challenges into wins by addressing key focus areas thoughtfully and strategically
Here are three (3) critical takeaways to ensure health benefits strategies align with financial goals, compliance requirements, and employee well-being—no lucky charms needed.
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Loving Employees Means Transforming the Status Quo: Benefits That Truly Care in 2025
Hitting the Easy Button Is NOT Showing You Care
For decades, employers have relied on BUCA (Blue Cross, UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, Aetna) plans, believing these traditional carriers demonstrate care for their employees. But the truth is, sticking to the status quo is more about convenience than care. Rising costs, hidden fees, limited advocacy, and outdated structures aren’t just financially draining—they’re eroding employee trust and morale.
In 2025, healthcare costs are expected to rise another 6–7%, with the average employee contributing over $4,400 annually to premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket costs. Yet, employees are getting less in return—less access, less advocacy, and less peace of mind.
The real question is, do your benefits truly care for your employees, or are they just another line item? To build loyalty, lower turnover, and foster a thriving workforce, it’s time to rewrite the script. Let’s explore how prioritizing innovation over inertia can transform health benefits into a tool that builds genuine employee connections.
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Asset Allocation and Riskalyze Portfolio Analysis
When planning for your financial future, asset allocation is one of the most important decisions you can make. It’s not just about diversifying investments; it’s about building a portfolio that aligns with your risk tolerance, financial goals, and market conditions.
At Arcwood Financial, we’re committed to helping you take control of your financial future. That’s why we’re excited to announce that we now offer free risk assessments for existing 401(k) participants and potential wealth management clients using the Riskalyze online risk assessment tool. This cutting-edge platform helps individuals determine their unique risk tolerance and provides a personalized portfolio recommendation.
Read More401k Compliance Basics – Arcwood Mastery Class
This video provides essential guidance for employer leaders involved in overseeing, managing, and maintaining group retirement plans, such as 401(k)s. It covers critical, high-level topics to assist payroll, HR, and other plan administrators with common challenges, including:
- Contribution deadlines and handling late or missed contributions
- Correcting late or inaccurate contributions
- Understanding self-correction versus VFCP (Voluntary Fiduciary Correction Program)
- Plan notice delivery requirements
- Defining eligible compensation
- Updates to Form 5500 filing requirements
Guranteed Income Solutions Inside 401(k)s on The Rise
Recent regulatory changes have made it easier for 401(k) plans to offer Guaranteed Income Solutions, providing more retirement security for participants. The SECURE Act (2019) laid the foundation by introducing lifetime income disclosures, a fiduciary safe harbor for annuity selection, and the ability to transfer annuities between plans. SECURE 2.0 (2022) built on this by raising the contribution limits for Qualified Longevity Annuity Contracts (QLACs) and enhancing fiduciary protections. In 2021, the Department of Labor further reinforced these provisions, encouraging more widespread adoption of annuities in retirement plans.
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Presidential Election Impacts on U.S. Market Performance
2024 has been a rollercoaster for financial markets, and many of you may have noticed increased volatility in your 401(k) accounts. Market ups and downs are expected, but the movements we’ve seen so far this year may have left some wondering what’s driving these swings and how it affects long-term retirement planning. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or new to understanding your 401(k), let’s break down what’s going on and what you should consider as we move closer to the upcoming elections.
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